1907 – Xeriscape Plant Choices

Water saving, xeriscape landscapes have many looks because of the wide variety of interesting plants available. The features that make plants visually interesting often are the features that allow them to thrive on little water. For example, the silver leaves of lamb’s-ears, lavender and gray santolina reflect the drying heat of the sun so the plant doesn’t lose water from its leaves.

Many native plants are well adapted to this region’s semi-arid climate. They continue the look of a natural area into a cultivated garden. Keep in mind that some plants native to the Rocky Mountains require more water and cooler exposures, so all are not suitable choices for a xeriscape. Be sure to incorporate them into the proper microclimate of a garden.

Roses do not usually prosper in bone dry soil. There are roses that will grow with less water but it is recommended to apply 3” of mulch and apply some additional water to maintain vitality. A few varieties are Sweetbriar, Father Hugo’s Rose and Wood’s Rose.

Grasses are a dominant plant of the western landscape. Xeric shrubs tend to have a fine texture and make good combinations with evergreens such as junipers and pines. Xeric shrubs include lilac, beauty bush, Apache plume, Peking cotoneaster and blue mist spiraea. There are few truly drought tolerant trees, but a few examples are Kentucky coffee tree, bur oak, honeylocust and western catalpa.

Check the xeriscape plant section at garden centers and nurseries for more plant selections and information.

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Resource for Colorado residents to find research based gardening information for the diverse Colorado climate. Newcomers to Colorado will find specific information to successfully garden in Colorado's diverse climate and geography.